This summer, our neighbourhood came together for a fun and lively block party meant to bring everyone a little closer. What started as a simple idea over coffee turned into a full afternoon of music, food, and good conversations.
A small group of us started planning a couple of months ahead. We knocked on doors and chatted with neighbours to pick the best date and get ideas for activities. Once we had a weekend afternoon set, we informed them of the land closure closure and divided up the work, one person handled food, another took care of games, etc.
Getting people on board was our first challenge. A few neighbours were unsure or thought it might be a big commitment. To make it easy, we kept everything casual: drop by whenever, bring a dish if you’d like, and just enjoy. We also added a kids’ bike parade and some lighthearted games to give families a reason to join in.
On the day of, neighbours showed up to set up tables, and turn the lane into a welcoming space. We played some music, kids zipped around on their bikes and scooters, and the dessert table turned into a magnet for conversations. By mid-afternoon to early evening, nearly every household had someone out mingling at one point. Everyone pitched in where they could, grabbed chairs and tables when needed, stools and fire pit when it was closer to sunset.
The best part wasn’t just the event itself, it was seeing new friendships spark and old ones rekindled. People lingered long after the music ended, swapping stories and making plans to do it again next year. We learned that community happens when you make space for it. A little planning, some shared effort, and a relaxed atmosphere go a long way.
